A perfect smile is always in fashion

It is common for gaps between the teeth to develop at every stage in life. For young children, this could simply mean that a child’s jaw has outgrown their baby teeth, and it will self-correct as the adult teeth come in. However, older teens and adults with widely spaced teeth will need to be more concerned. This is because widely spaced teeth do not just represent a potential issue with your appearance, they could also be signs of developing health problems or represent an actual threat to your health. Therefore, it is always best to talk to an orthodontist about the underlying causes for your widely spaced teeth along with how having gaps in your smile could contribute to these health issues.

Reasons For Widely Spaced Teeth

While gaps between your teeth may just have a genetic cause, it is also common for some people to discover that gaps between their teeth are due to medical causes. For instance, noticing new spaces between your teeth warrant a trip to your orthodontist to rule out the possibility that you have underlying issues with your jaw bone or gums. Some children also have widely spaced teeth that are caused by a congenital condition that may require additional treatment. Either way, it is important to get to the bottom of why your teeth are spaced so widely apart. This way, you can rule out more serious problems and focus solely on correcting any misalignments with the help of your orthodontist.

Increased Risk of Tooth Decay

At first glance, it is easy to think that having gaps between your teeth is a good way to keep your pearly whites clean. Unfortunately, those gaps serve as traps that can cause food to get stuck. While brushing your teeth and flossing may help to remove some of the food, it is common to miss the larger gaps in the back. Over time, having food stay stuck between your teeth sets you up for cavities and gum disease. Fortunately, getting braces is an easy fix, and your orthodontic team can make sure that your teeth are spaced just far enough apart that you can keep them clean without having to worry about getting food stuck in between.

Difficulty With Digestion

Your body’s digestive system begins at the mouth. Being able to chew properly is essential for helping your stomach begin the process of breaking down food. Teeth that are misaligned or too far apart make it impossible to completely break down food. This means that you may find yourself swallowing larger chunks of food that then cause your digestive system to be overworked. Many people with large gaps between their teeth find that they experience fewer incidences of indigestion after they have Invisalign treatment.

Complications From Gum Disease

Neglecting your oral health can lead to problems with your entire body. For instance, gum disease does not only cause you to loose your teeth, but it also means that there are bacteria in your mouth that can spread to your whole body. Periodontitis has been linked to pneumonia, heart disease and respiratory ailments that all affect your long-term health. When you are concerned that your widely spaced teeth are causing gum disease, you can benefit from Invisalign. This is because clear braces help to move your teeth together while also making sure that you can properly maintain your oral health with a normal hygiene routine. During your treatment, you can learn how to remove the aligners and brush and floss properly so that your gums remain healthy.

Options For Treating Widely Spaced Teeth

The great news is that there are many ways to protect your overall health by getting your teeth straighter. When you go to your orthodontic office for an initial consultation, you will be shown how your teeth can be improved with straightening. Your teeth, gums, jaw, and the bite will all be assessed to determine the best treatment process to fit your health needs and lifestyle. Among your options, you may be able to choose from:

• Traditional Metal Braces: This is the type of treatment that most people think of for straightening teeth, and you may be a candidate for this type of your teeth have very large gaps in between each one. • Invisalign: Many adults ask for this type of treatment. It is fast, effective, and you will be able to easily fit this type into your lifestyle with minimal changes to your diet and oral health care routine. • Lingual Appliances: These are placed on the back of your teeth where they are less visible. This is a nice option for anyone who wants a discreet treatment method but requires a more traditional style of treatment.

MCDERMOTT ORTHODONTICS

Dr. Michael McDermott earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in both Chemistry and Biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. He followed his undergraduate degrees with a doctorate in dental surgery at the University of Minnesota, where he graduated with highest distinction.

Dr. Mike then furthered his dental education by earning a masters and certificate in Orthodontics at the University of St. Louis in Missouri.